DAVID LAZAR

For how long have been in photography? How did you start?2004 was the year I did a long overseas trip in South Asia which was an amazing experience, and I saw many scenes that I wanted to capture in a photo while I was there. I then felt inspired when looking at other people’s travel photography back home. In 2005 I bought by first Nikon DSLR. I’ve continued traveling and developing the craft over the last 13 years.

How would you define yourself as an artist?I am a travel photographer and musician who loves to capture moments of life, beauty and culturethrough photography. I am interested in locations which have a rich cultural background and especially enjoy portrait photography, followed closely by landscape. I want to create art that gives people an emotional reaction and brings attention to the positive side of humanity.

Where do you find inspiration? I was initially inspired after travelling to India and afterwards noticing other travel photography work online and in print, which impacted me emotionally. I had a drive to create powerful portrait photography myself so I practiced and refined the art each time I travelled.

Is Brainstorming not the only creative method use to create new concepts? With my photography, I first try to imagine the photo in my mind before I take it. Each shot starts as a visualisation and then I have to work quickly/efficiently to make that happen when I’m interacting with people and have an idea for a photograph.

Please could you tell us about photography and digital technology?I am interested in photography as art, and not so much in the technological side of the camera and the equipment and gadgets. I see photography as a medium for personal, artistic expression.

What type of camera do you use most? Nikon D800

What is your favorite lens? Nikon 24-85mm lens

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?Traveling to Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean to photograph for a Growing Leaders Foundation book that was eventually published and now exists in all primary schools in that country.

What are your favourite three images you have shot recently?

How important is an awesome website for your business? A good website is important for people to find me, see my work, and then contact me. It’s also important for selling prints and books.

What’s the most important quality a photographer needs to have? A vision that is unique and important to them

Which of your projects has given you the most satisfaction? Photographing in the culturally vibrant land of Myanmar has been the most satisfying and I recently put together a large coffee table book of my work from there, which is now available for purchase from my website.

List of your clients? I have had work in National Geographic, Asian Geographic, Lonely Planet, Luxury Travel Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, Singapore In flight Airways magazine, United Nations, and many photography and travel magazines.

Who are the photographer’s you admire the most? Art Wolfe, Joey Lawrence, Steve McCurry

What are your next projects? A research trip in April to India for a future Holi and Rajasthan photography tour there to happen in 2018.